The Spencer County Bears bunted their way to an early lead Saturday against visiting Walton-Verona, and held off the visitors for a 13-3 victory.

JOHN SHINDLEBOWER for The Spencer MagnetDalton Smith slides into second base safely during 2nd inning of Spencer County’s win Saturday. The Bears will take on Anderson County Monday in the first round of the 30th District Tournament in Lawrenceburg.

Trailing 2-0 in the bottom half of the first inning, Spencer County was able to load the bases and then played some small ball to get runners across the plate. With the bases full, sophomore catcher Todd Clemens laid down a bunt toward the pitcher, who fielded the ball and threw to first. The ball was mishandled, allowing two runs to score and the Bears quickly had tied the game.

The next two batters laid down bunts that resulted in more runs and then a long drive to left center by Hunter Herring scored two more as the Bears finished the first inning with an 8-2 lead.

From there, the Bears were able to hold Walton-Verona to just one additional run and secured the victory improve their record to 12-18 on the season.

The win was the first after a three-game losing streak that started with a 12-2 loss to Henry County last Monday. On Wednesday, the Bears traveled to Bethlehem and dropped a 6-2 decision before falling 2-1 in a tough loss at home against Trimble County on Thursday.

Spencer County will travel to Louisville Doss this Wednesday, will host Louisville Moore on Thursday and will play their final regular season and final home game on Saturday against Louisville Waggener.

The Bears will travel to Anderson County on Monday where they will take on the host Bearcats in the opening round of the 30th District Tournament.